FAQ

Dr. Kelly Simms has nine years of post-secondary education, including residency. Her undergraduate coursework included premedical prerequisites in biology, psychology, English, general chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry. She has a bachelor of science in Biomedical Engineering from North Carolina State University, from where she graduated magna cum laude and earned her four-year doctorate in naturopathic medicine from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine. She completed a one-year family practice residency in Brookfield, Wisconsin under the supervision of naturopathic doctors and conventional medical doctors.

Naturopathic physicians are unique in their healthcare philosophy and training. They are trained to look at all body systems when evaluating a person and his or her concerns. Their training involves laboratory diagnostics, physical examination and pharmacology, but treatment considerations include a wide range of natural therapeutics.

When choosing Dr. Simms, patients are looking for the following:

• Greater focus on natural health and wellness
• Seeking an alternative to drugs or surgery
• Wellness and prevention
• Second opinions

Homeopathy is a specific system of medicine that uses diluted potencies of natural substances to stimulate the body to heal itself. Naturopathic physicians are trained in the use of homeopathy as a potential natural therapeutic treatment option.

Quality health care involves teamwork and communication, and Dr. Simms makes collaboration with other healthcare professionals a priority. Dr. Simms will refer patients to other professionals when she feels their experience or training would be beneficial. Working with a naturopathic physician in conjunction with other medical professionals can be highly beneficial for a patient.

Naturopathic modalities such as nutrition, herbal medicines and homeopathic medicines are well researched. In addition, many naturopathic recommendations are based on basic biochemical pathways of the body, thus inherently are well documented.

Two key publications specific to naturopathic research are Natural Medicine Journal and Naturopathic Doctor News and Review (NDNR).

The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians is the national association for naturopathic physicians headquartered in Washington, D.C. For those of you not in the Chicago area, this website gives you a great way to search for an ND by location. The state professional organization for Illinois is the Illinois Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

• Comprehensive, individualized care
• Time to listen and understand your concerns
• Prompt response to your questions
• Excellent results

• Commitment to making changes
• Willingness to learn about and understand your health concern(s)
• Ongoing open communication

Currently, Illinois does not have a legal definition of naturopathic medicine and thus does not have a licensing law to define the scope of practice for naturopathic physicians. Dr. Simms holds her license to practice Naturopathic Medicine in Vermont (099.0071912) and Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist license in Illinois (164.006298).

As of mid-2017, 19 states, the District of Columbia, and the United States territories of Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands have licensing laws for naturopathic doctors. In these states, ND’s are required to graduate from a four-year, residential naturopathic medical school and pass and extensive postdoctoral board examination (NPLEX) in order to receive a license. Scope of practice varies from state to state, but many consider NDs primary care providers.